Faith is a bridge

A recent interview with Reverend Raphael Warnock brought home an important point. He shared something he did learn from Reverend Martin Luther King, which is this: "My faith is not a weapon, it is a bridge." As Rev. Warnock was pointing out that he takes offense when Christianity is misused as a weapon, in order to marginalize or judge others. He sees in his own fellowship with Jesus Christ an empowerment to think in a more inclusive way and love others in a more unselfish way. I took this interview with him on CNN to contemplate the intention of the Christian faith, that I, like millions, adhere to. Is our faith a weapon to defend ourselves or is it a bridge to bless ourselves - and others? Is Christianity waving a sword or offering healing - and bread? Is it building walls or building tables with many seats?

Who am I to say who or what Jesus Christ was and is, a question that has been debated for more than two millennia now. But I feel we each must engage and have a say in our own hearts what matters. My individual perspective on Jesus Christ is that his message was to embrace everyone with the insight that the kingdom of heaven - based on the law of Love - is here now and that everyone - regardless of status, race, gender or even religious affiliation - has a place in it. He didn't align with power but spoke truth to power. He didn't debate the status and worthiness of individuals, separating Jews from others: He healed whoever reached out to him. He didn't say to those listening to his wonderful sermon on the mount: "Ye are the light of all Jews". He said: "Ye are the light of the world." He didn't say: "Ye are the salt of the Jewish sites of worship and farms". He said: "Ye are the salt of the earth."

This understanding is mostly an understanding without words and without judgments: It is practical and flows from a heart that loves. It shines forth in peacemaking, in the ability to listen, in the willingness to see in every man the fulness of God's being, the sum of possibilities. Christianity highlights compassion, kindness and a radical and relentless willingness to serve others. Our faith is a bridge.

Eugene Peterson translates this passage from a letter by John in this fresh way:

"Anyone who claims to live in God’s light and hates a brother or sister is still in the dark. It’s the person who loves brother and sister who dwells in God’s light and doesn’t block the light from others. But whoever hates is still in the dark, stumbles around in the dark, doesn’t know which end is up, blinded by the darkness." (1. John 2: 9-11. Eugene Peterson. The Message)

Yesterday I was on a trip and I took this truth really to heart. I was on this trip because of goodness and service. So there was no roadblock rattling our joyful peace, that my husband and I encountered at 4am in the morning as he drove me to the airport - we found a different route and arrived on time. There was no chatter, that undercut the focus my work needs, no long waiting line, that was annoying, absolutely nothing could disturb my peace, which I truly felt is God's peace,  bridge that The one God is a gigantic bridge that we can safely use everywhere. I am not building it, you are not building it: It is already established and uniting all of us in this one precious life.